Woman who never had quinceañera as teen celebrates her 60th birthday by giving the tradition a spin

Livier Reynoso was not sure if she would live long enough to celebrate her 60th birthday or the quinceanera she missed out on as a teenager. Reynoso, who hails from Oakley, California, was told by her doctors long ago that her diabetes could significantly alter her health and as a result, impact her lifespan. Against all the odds, Reynoso lives long enough to reach the major age milestone and celebrate her pending quinceanera with her family and friends in attendance, per Good Morning America.

On September 10, 2023, Reynoso and her family assembled at the Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Oakley which is also Reynoso's home church. The guests had gathered for a special mass that was organized before a wholesome fiesta at a local family ranch. Reynoso spoke to the outlet in Spanish and described her quinceanera as an incredible experience and that "everything was just how she dreamed it would be."

"For me, it was something grand to see my whole family reunited and happy and to see my friends,” she expressed. “It was something bigger than I ever could have imagined.” For her big day, Reynoso knew the exact kind of gown she wanted. She had a strong liking for Disney's "The Princess and the Frog," a 2009 animated film where the Disney princess Tiana wore an iconic outfit. Reynoso wanted something similar for her occasion.

She managed to get a dress that resembled the iconic Disney gown worn by Tiana while her female friends donned dresses resembling the gowns of other Disney princesses. "When I saw The Princess and the Frog, I really liked the dresses and the first thing I said was that one day, I was going to make a dress like hers," she revealed. The 60-year-old's quinceanera video was posted by her niece Suzette Reynoso-Bivens who goes by @thesuzettereynoso on TikTok.

The video was received quite well in September 2024, garnering over 699,000 views on the platform so far. It features different scenes from the party including the mass at the church, Reynoso dancing with a young man dressed as the Disney prince and other moments of celebrations involving Reynoso's friends and family. Reynoso's niece told the outlet that witnessing her aunt celebrate her long-awaited quinceanera was "a great sight to see."

"It was just really a fun time, seeing all my tías, [or aunts], getting dressed up as princesses,” Reynoso added. “It's not something you see every day.” The TikTok comment section left heartwarming comments for Reynoso and her unusual celebration. @ellapennn wrote: "I love that she chose Tiana. She has such a classy dress." @username007_2 suggested: "Y’all better get her to Disneyland to see the new Tiana restaurant and ride (coming soon). Happy Birthday." 

@claudiaresengem commented: "I saw this on the news. I always wanted to do this too!! She looks stunning. I’m glad she had her quinceanera." @gerrifromthehood added: "I know many Spanish women could relate to missing their quinceanera. This brought tears of joy to her I hope this influences others to do the same." Reynoso believes that it's never too late to celebrate something in case one has missed it. "If they want to, they have all my support because it is very fun, very exciting. You can't explain what it feels like to be in the moment," Reynoso added."Don't be embarrassed. People are going to talk but it's okay to have a good time," she added.